Battery Cover Vent Barrier for Thermal Runaway Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rechargeable battery packs in electric vehicles face issues with thermal runaway, where high-temperature substances from one battery can cause chain thermal runaway and potential fires, affecting other batteries in the pack.

Innovation Solution

A battery design featuring a cover with a high temperature resistant sheet that covers the opening, preventing high temperature substances from entering and reducing the probability of thermal runaway diffusion, while maintaining the original explosion-proof mechanism and pressure relief functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional cover with a first hole is used, then the explosion-proof mechanism and pressure relief functions are maintained, but high temperature substances from other batteries can enter through the first hole causing chain thermal runaway

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of batteryVSAvoidthermal runaway diffusion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A high temperature resistant sheet is introduced as an intermediary component between the first hole and the battery core. This sheet acts as a thermal barrier that blocks high temperature substances from reaching the battery core while allowing the explosion-proof mechanism and pressure relief functions to operate through the first hole. The sheet is positioned to cover the first hole when the battery is in a normal state, preventing thermal runaway diffusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The high temperature resistant sheet provides localized thermal protection specifically at the first hole area where thermal runaway substances would enter. The sheet has different thermal properties compared to the cover body, creating a localized barrier with high temperature resistance exactly where needed to prevent chain thermal runaway while maintaining other functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the first hole is completely sealed to prevent thermal runaway, then thermal runaway diffusion is blocked, but the explosion-proof mechanism and pressure relief functions are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of batteryVSAvoidpressure relief function
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The high temperature resistant sheet serves as a selective barrier that allows certain functions to pass through while blocking harmful substances. During normal operation, the sheet covers the first hole to prevent thermal runaway. During abnormal conditions requiring pressure relief or explosion-proof function, the sheet can be penetrated or displaced, allowing gases to escape while maintaining the protective function against thermal runaway.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances the safety and stability of the battery pack by preventing chain thermal runaway and reducing the risk of explosions or fires, ensuring the normal operation of the explosion-proof mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a high temperature resistant sheet disposed on a top of the cover body and covering the first hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4310996A1Battery and electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 AESC JAPAN LTD
  • EP4310996A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4310996A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4310996A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A battery (100) and an electronic device (300) are provided. The battery (100) includes a case (2) having an opening (21), a battery core (3) disposed in the case (2), and a cover (1) covering the opening (21) of the case (2). The cover (1) includes a cover body (11) provided with a first hole (111) and a high temperature resistant sheet (12) disposed on a top of the cover body (11) and covering the first hole (111).